FROM THE PAGES OF WIVES AND DAUGHTERS

For the first time in her life, Molly Gibson was to be included among the guests at the Towers. (page 9)

 

He had not an ounce of superfluous flesh on his bones; and leanness goes a great way to gentility. (page 38)

 

“To be sure, a stepmother to a girl is a different thing to a second wife to a man!” (page 75)

 

“She’s at school in France, picking up airs and graces.” (page 123)

 

She was sent home in the carriage, loaded with true thanks from every one of the family. Osborne ransacked the houses for flowers for her; Roger had chosen her out books of every kind. The squire himself kept shaking her hand, without being able to speak his gratitude, till at last he had taken her in his arms, and kissed her as he would have done a daughter. (page 212)

 

“Such a shabby thing for a duchess I never saw; not a bit of a diamond near her! They’re none of ’em worth looking at except the countess, and she’s always a personable woman, and not so lusty as she was. But they’re not worth waiting up for till this time o’ night.” (pages 291-292)

 

During all the months that had elapsed since Mrs. Hamley’s death, Molly had wondered many a time about the secret she had so unwittingly become possessed of that last day in the Hall library. It seemed so utterly strange and unheard-of a thing to her inexperienced mind, that a man should be married, and yet not live with his wife—that a son should have entered into the holy state of matrimony without his father’s knowledge, and without being recognized as the husband of some one known or unknown by all those with whom he came in daily contact, that she felt occasionally as if that little ten minutes of revelation must have been a vision in a dream. (page 318)

 

Just then she heard nearer sounds; an opened door, steps on the lower flight of stairs. He could not have gone without even seeing her. He never, never would have done so cruel a thing—never would have forgotten poor little Molly, however happy he might be. (page 371)

 

“Madam your wife and I didn’t hit it off the only time I ever saw her. I won’t say she was silly, but I think one of us was silly, and it wasn’t me.” (page 390)

 

“I wish I could give you a little of my own sensitiveness, for I have too much for my happiness.” (page 425)

 

Having anything to conceal was so unusual—almost so unprecedented a circumstance with her that it preyed upon her in every way. (page 482)

 

“People may flatter themselves just as much by thinking that their faults are always present to other people’s minds as if they believe that the world is always contemplating their individual charms and virtues.” (page 534)

 

“Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom.” (page 582)

 

“My dear, if you must have the last word, don’t let it be a truism.” (page 634)